The General Manager of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi –Abiola has said that registration of pupils in low-fee-paying private schools will ensure that all residents are counted and represented in government planning and improving access to essential services.
She made this known in her address at the official relaunch and inaugural Conference of the SEED-LASRRA Partnership with the theme: “No Child Left Behind” held on Tuesday at NECA House Events Centre Ikeja.
Her words: “With a growing population and diverse educational landscape, these pupils are often underrepresented in official data. Registering them will enhance educational planning, strengthen community development whereby a sense of belonging among pupils and their families is assured and in essence, promote civic engagement and community participation.”
The Founder/Executive Director of SEED Care & Support Foundation, Mrs. Olanrewaju Oniyitan said that No child, regardless of his socio-economic status, gender, or age, should be deprived of his fundamental right. “Education unlocks different opportunities, and it is the most profound investment one can make”, she said.
She also appealed to different Organisations and institutions not to work in silos but to partner with the foundation because together, they would be able to achieve one unified course, ensuring all children have access to education.
“This is a mandate and not a vision. LASRRA’s initiatives can align with the Foundation’s goals, allowing for more cohesive planning and execution of programmes aimed at improving education and economic outcomes. LASRRA’s role in data management, service access, community engagement, policy alignment and evaluation supports the Seed Care and Foundation’s mission to promote Sustainable education and economic development”, she concluded.
The Foundation has 51 schools in their Pilot Programme in Ojo and Ikeja Local Governments and 715 schools in all.
SEED Care and Support Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on providing support and resources to vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by issues like poverty, social inequality, health crises, etc. Their work involves education and empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals and families in need. It is a member of the Nigerian Network of NGOs (NNNGOs) and the Global Schools Forum (GSF).
The high point of the event was the screening of a documentary that highlighted the struggles faced by children and their parents in various communities with underprivileged residents.
There was also a Fireside Chat with the Principal Consultant/CEO, Leading Learning Ltd and immediate Past Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo on “No Child Left Behind: The Critical Role of the Affordable Non-State Education Sector” in attaining SDG4 in Nigeria, moderated by the Managing Director, Yellow Tamarind Productions, Isabella Adediji.
Other important dignitaries who graced the occasion include Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, who was represented by a Director, Mr Omodan Dare; Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Oto/Ijanikin & Odo-Noforija, Epe, Professor Bilikis Bidemi Lafiaji- Okuneye; Senior Education Adviser, British High Commission, Lan Attfield; Regional Director, Africa, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Foundation, Inc., Mr. Stephen Caleb Opuni; Chief Executive Officer, Global Schools Forum, Aashti Zaidi Hai to mention a few.
